ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Tony Scheffler has never been one to set the bar low.
That’s why it’s not surprising the Denver Broncos’ second-year tight end has lofty expectations for himself and quarterback Jay Cutler.
“When I think of Shannon Sharpe and John Elway, I think of a tight end and quarterback that always knew what the other was thinking, always being on the same page,” Scheffler said. “That’s what I’m aiming for. That is what I’d like it to become.”
The tandem has a long way to go. Scheffler has 46 catches for 312 yards and six touchdowns in 24 games. Sharpe caught 675 passes for 8,439 yards and 55 TDs during his career in Denver.
However, Scheffler’s career did hit a bump this past spring when he broke his foot in an offseason conditioning drill.
Yet, Cutler said he has seen growth in Scheffler’s development as a pro.
“A lot,” Cutler said. “Last year me and Tony were just running around trying to make plays, not really knowing what was going on. It took Tony a little longer than me because of his foot. Getting back from that broken foot in the off season, it just gave him his confidence back. He’s come along way.”
During last week’s loss at Chicago, Scheffler made a Sharpe-type catch. He used his soft hands to make a juggling 14-yard juggling catch in the back of the end zone.
“Tony has got good body control,” Cutler said. “He has great hands, sees the ball well and wants to make plays for us.”
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INJURY UPDATE@: The Broncos got a boost in their injury-plague running back corps. Travis Henry (knee) and Selvin Young (knee) practiced for a second straight day on Thursday without a setback.
“I’m ready to go,” Young said.
Andre Hall (ankle), who ran for 98 yards and a touchdown last week at Chicago, was held out of workouts.
“Andre Hall still a little banged up,” coach Mike Shanahan said. “There might be a chance he’ll practice tomorrow.”
Javon Walker (knee) and Brandon Stokley (knee) both practiced without restraints.
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ONE MAN’s OPINION @: Oakland coach Lane Kiffin was disheartened by the news that Sonny Lubick had been let go at Colorado State.
“I caught a little bit of his press conference because the guys were down in our office watching it and it was sad,” Kiffin said. “It was very sad to see him, a guy who should still be coaching and knowing that it’s over for him.”
Kiffin was an assistant on Lubick’s staff in 1999. Kiffin’s father, Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, is one of Lubick’s closest friends and a guest speaker at Colorado State’s spring camps.
“I think Sonny is one of the best coaches I’ve ever been around,” Lane Kiffin said. “You can’t get a coach that’s more about his players and coaches than Sonny.”
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CULPEPPER OR RUSSELL@: Several Broncos said they don’t know who the Raiders will line up under center on Sunday, Daunte Culpepper or rookie JaMarcus Russell.
Russell has yet to throw a pass, so the Broncos don’t know how to scheme for him—just in case he plays.
“We’d have to go back to his college tape,” cornerback Champ Bailey said. “I don’t know if that would help much.”
